Ocean Power Technologies (OPT), headquartered in the United States, recently entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AltaSea, situated at the Port of Los Angeles, to advance wave power projects. This collaboration represents a significant milestone in the exploration of opportunities within the blue economy, stemming from OPT’s CEO Philipp Stratmann’s recent visit to AltaSea.
OPT’s wave-powered energy devices, referred to as Power Buoys, are designed to serve as uninterruptable power supply (UPS) devices by capturing energy from waves while being deployed in the ocean, moored, and floating over the point of use. Furthermore, OPT’s WAM-V (Wave Adaptive Modular Vessel) is an autonomous surface vehicle (ASV) that offers versatile capabilities for a range of maritime applications, including data collection, surveillance, and communication.
Jade Clemons, Director of the Blue Sustainable Economy Alliance at AltaSea, expressed her enthusiasm in welcoming OPT to the AltaSea wave and tidal energy coalition, underscoring the substantial potential and necessity for marine energy in California as the state works towards achieving its clean energy objectives. Situated on 35 acres at the Port of Los Angeles, AltaSea functions as an ocean technology campus with a focus on ocean innovation and research collaborations, providing an ideal environment for the advancement of marine energy projects.
AltaSea’s partnership with California-based wave energy developer, CalWave, further demonstrates the dedication to establishing a local wave energy industry and implementing projects off the coast of California. Additionally, AltaSea and CalWave have advocated for a bill that urges the California Energy Commission (CEC) to assess the feasibility, costs, and benefits of wave and tidal energy, as well as identify suitable sea space for these projects in state and federal waters.
In addition to its collaboration with AltaSea, OPT previously partnered with Eco Wave Power in January 2022, with the aim of accelerating wave energy projects through the utilization of complementary technologies and expertise. The cooperative efforts between the two parties encompass knowledge sharing, joint grant submissions, and collaborative support in entering new markets.
The signing of the MoU between OPT and AltaSea signifies a significant advancement in marine energy technologies and the expansion of the blue economy. With a strong emphasis on innovation, research, and the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions, this collaboration sets the stage for future progress in the field of marine energy.
In conclusion, the partnership between OPT and AltaSea represents a stride forward in the exploration of marine energy opportunities and lays the groundwork for the development of innovative solutions within the blue economy. As both entities align their expertise and resources, the potential for progress in sustainable energy technologies becomes increasingly promising.